Xiaomi AirDots: how to sync headphones with your phone and with each other

Xiaomi AirDots (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, and Mi AirDots Pro) remain some of the most popular wireless headsets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality, and convenience. However, many users face difficulties in first synchronization — especially when the headphones refuse to connect to each other or to a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from basic settings to solving non-standard problems.

It's important to understand that the synchronization process depends on the headphone firmware version, the smartphone model, and even the Bluetooth version. For example, AirDots 3 Pro requires a different approach than the 2020 Redmi AirDots S. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work for 90% of Xiaomi devices. If your model does not respond, there is a section at the end of this article with alternative methods.

Preparing for synchronization: what to check before starting

Before trying to connect headphones, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

• 🔋 Battery charge: both earphones must be charged at least 30%. Case indicator is lit white or red.
• 📱 Smartphone compatibility: Bluetooth version 4.2 or higher (on Android check Settings) → The phone. → Bluetooth version).
• 🔄 Resetting previous connections: If the headphones have already been paired with another device, you need to “forget” them in Bluetooth settings.
• 🎧 Clean contacts: Oxidation or dirt on the metal contacts of the case can block charge and synchronization.

A critical mistake most users make is to try to synchronize headphones separately, not through the case. 99% of the time, Xiaomi AirDots sync only when both headphones are in a closed case and the case is connected to power. Except for models with Dual Mode support (for example, AirDots 3 Pro), but even there the first launch occurs through the case.

Basic synchronization of Xiaomi AirDots with phone (Android/iOS)

The standard procedure is suitable for most models (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, etc.)

1. Put both earphones in the case and close the lid. Wait 10 seconds, they should automatically turn off.
2. Open the case cover. The case indicator should flash white (search mode). If flashes red, the headphones are discharged.
3. On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and find the Mi True Wireless EBs device Basic_R (or similar name of your model).
4. Confirm the connection. After 5-10 seconds, both earbuds should synchronize with each other (both indicators flash in the case).

If the headphones are plugged in, but the sound is only in one, it means that the inter-headset sync is not working.

The process is identical for the iPhone, but additional confirmation may be required in the pop-up window. On Android, some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 or POCO X3) offer quick connectivity via the notification "New Bluetooth device is near" - use it to speed up the process.

Synchronize headphones with each other (if they do not pair)

If the headphones are not synchronized with each other (for example, the right connects to the phone, and the left does not), perform a forced reset:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 20-25 seconds until the lights start flashing red and white alternately.
3. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 1 minute.
4. Open the lid, the lights should flash white. Now try to reconnect.

If the method does not work, check:

• 🔴 Hardware damage: often leaves the contact spring in the case (try to slightly press the headphone when charging).
• 🔄 Firmware: Outdated software can block sync. Update via Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
• 📦 Device authenticity: Counterfeits often have synchronization issues. check the serial number on Xiaomi's official website.

Synchronization problems: typical errors and solutions

Let’s analyze the most common scenarios when Xiaomi AirDots refuse to synchronize, and how to eliminate them:

A special case: if you updated the firmware of the headphones through the Mi Home and after that they stopped syncing, most likely there was an error in the update.

1. Remove the headphones from the list of devices in Mi Home.
2. Reset (20 seconds of button retention).
3. Connect again via standard Bluetooth, not the app.

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If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try disabling the AAC codec in the Android developer settings (turn on Bluetooth debugging and select the SBC codec).

Synchronization with multiple devices (multi-connection)

Some Xiaomi AirDots models (such as AirDots 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2) support simultaneous connection to two devices (such as a smartphone and a laptop).

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as a phone).
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your second device (laptop, tablet) and find Mi True Wireless.
3. Confirm the connection. The headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on activity (for example, when playing music).

Limitations of multi-connection:

• 🎵 The sound will only play on one device at a time.
• 📞 When calling, priority is given to the phone.
• 🔋 Battery consumption increases by ~15–20%.

Important: If the headphones don’t support multi-connection (like the Redmi AirDots S), you’ll have to manually disconnect them from one device before connecting to another, otherwise there’ll be a conflict of Bluetooth profiles.

Update firmware for stable synchronization

Outdated firmware is one of the main causes of connectivity problems. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for AirDots that fix sync bugs.

1. Install the Mi Home (Android) or Xiaomi Wear (iOS) app.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, find the headphones in the list of devices and check for updates in the firmware section.
4. If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Tips for updating:

• 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection – interrupting the firmware download can cause a failure.
• 🔋 The charge of the case should be at least 50%.
• ⏳ The process can take up to 10 minutes – don’t interrupt it.

After upgrading to 1.7.0 and higher, AirDots 3 Pro has an automatic synchronization feature when you open the case cover (similar to AirPods). If this feature does not work, reset the headphone settings and connect them again.

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Updating the firmware through Mi Home is the only official way. Don't use third-party firmware: it can cause permanent damage to the headphones.

Alternative synchronization methods (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these non-trivial solutions:

1. Connect via Developer Mode: On Android, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in your phone settings), then turn on Debugging over Bluetooth in the Developer Settings. Then try connecting again.
2. Use of another smartphone: Sometimes the headphones "remember" the incorrect settings when you first connect. Try syncing them with another phone, and then go back to the main device.
3. Network reset on your phone: Android: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. On iPhone: Settings → Basic → Move or Reset → Network Settings Reset.

For AirDots Pro and later, there is a hidden recovery mode:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Hold the buttons on both headphones for 30 seconds until the indicators start flashing purple.
3. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid for 2 minutes.
4. Open the lid - the headphones should be reset to factory settings.

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If the headphones still don't sync, try connecting them to your PC via Bluetooth, and sometimes Windows recognizes devices better than smartphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi AirDots